Lasagna Rolls – An Elegant Twist on a Classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rated 4.7 Stars by over 1,500 readers! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Perfect for portion control and a beautiful presentation.
• The ultimate comfort food with a gourmet, elegant twist.
• Freezer-friendly! Make ahead for an easy, impressive meal anytime.

Tools You’ll Need

Ingredients

For the Sauce (Béchamel):

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch ground nutmeg

For the Lasagna Rolls:

• 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped
• 1 large egg, beaten to blend
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting water
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 ounces)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk for 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk. Increase the heat to medium-high. Whisk the sauce until it comes to a simmer and is thick and smooth, about 3 minutes. Whisk the salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the bechamel sauce.
2. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
3. Whisk the ricotta, spinach, 1 cup Parmesan, prosciutto, egg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to blend.
4. Add a tablespoon or 2 of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil the noodles until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Arrange the noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking.
5. Butter a 13-by-9-by-2-inch glass baking dish. Pour the bechamel sauce over the bottom of the prepared dish.
6. Lay out 4 lasagna noodles on a work surface, then spread a large spoonful (about 3 tablespoons worth) of ricotta mixture evenly over each noodle. Starting at 1 end, roll each noodle like a jelly roll. Lay the lasagna rolls seam side down, without touching, atop the bechamel sauce in the dish. Repeat with the remaining noodles and ricotta mixture.
7. Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce over the lasagna rolls. Sprinkle the mozzarella and remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan over the lasagna rolls. Cover tightly with foil. Bake until heated through and the sauce bubbles, about 20 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake until the cheese on top becomes golden, about 15 minutes longer. Let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining marinara sauce in a heavy small saucepan over medium heat until hot, and serve alongside.

Pro Tips

• Squeeze the spinach DRY: This is crucial to prevent a watery filling. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to wring out all the moisture.
• Don't overcook your noodles! They just need to be pliable enough to roll. They will continue cooking in the oven.
• Let the rolls stand for 10 minutes after baking. This allows them to set up, making them much easier to serve.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Simply omit the prosciutto for a delicious meat-free version.
• Meat Lovers: Add some cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the ricotta filling.
• Different Cheese: Try using a blend of fontina and asiago instead of mozzarella for a more complex flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these lasagna rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rolls a day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the plastic, cover with foil, and bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze lasagna rolls?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls in a freezer-safe baking dish. Wrap the entire dish tightly in both plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

What can I use instead of prosciutto?
You can use an equal amount of finely chopped ham or pancetta. For a stronger flavor, crispy cooked and crumbled bacon would also work well.

So there you have it – gorgeous, gourmet, and downright delicious Lasagna Rolls that are worth every minute of prep time. 

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments below.